Contessa 26 Specifications: L.O.A.: 25' 6" (7.77 m) L.W.L.: 21' 0" (6.40 m) Beam: 7' 6" (2.29 m) Draft: 4' 0" (1.22 m) Displacement: 5400 lbs. (2449 kg.) Ballast: 2300 lbs. (1043 kg.) Sail area: 304 sq. ft. (28.24 m²) Motor: usually a small diesel. Headroom: 5' 8" (1.73 m) Berths: 4 Rating  (PHRF-LO) : 243 Price range: $9,000 to $11,000 The Contessa 26 is an English design which is based on the Swedish Folkboat, and it was built in Canada under licence by J. J. Taylor and Sons. It also was marketed and sold simply as the "J. J. Taylor 26" during the mid 1980s. This boat is clearly robust and overbuilt, and it has to rate as one of the very best ocean-going production boats in its size category. For example, it has no sliding hatch over the main companionway, a feature which makes the cabin roof much stronger and better able to withstand a pounding in an offshore storm. Evidence of this boat's abilities as a bluewater cruiser can be found in the fact that it was chosen by both Tania Aebi and Brian Caldwell in their separate attempts to set the record as the youngest person to complete a single-handed circumnavigation. Because of the nature and origins of this design, the Contessa 26 has a narrow beam and limited elbow room down below. by Michael McGoldrick. [ Copyright & Disclaimer ]